Bobcats open road trip against Clippers

(Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Clippers have played great basketball of
late and hope to continue that fine form Tuesday night when they welcome the
Charlotte Bobcats to the Staples Center.

The Clips have won five of their last six, including a 107-94 victory on Saturday, at home against the Utah Jazz. They played extremely well en route to the win and it was important after an embarrassing, 116-90 home loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.

"The San Antonio game left a really bad taste in our mouths." said guard
Chauncey Billups.

Caron Butler led the Clippers in scoring with 21, followed by 18 apiece from
Blake Griffin and Lamar Odom off the bench. Chris Paul and Jamal Crawford
netted 11 and 12, respectively.

The Clippers own a six-game lead over the Golden State Warriors in the Pacific
Division and have a firm grip on the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference
standings.

L.A. is 22-6 at home this season, which is fifth-best in the conference.

Contrast that mark with Charlotte's 6-21 road record, which is among the worst
in the NBA, and this one doesn't set up to be a barn-burner on paper. The
Clippers' 40 victories is tied for third in the league and Charlotte has the
fewest wins with just 13.

The Bobcats head out on this four-game western trip the losers of four
straight. All three losses came at home to the Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls
and Denver Nuggets.

Against the Nuggets on Saturday, Kemba Walker was spectacular in a losing
effort. He scored 24 points, handed out five assists and recorded two steals.